SOUTHLAND.

Press, Volume III, Issue 335, 26 November 1863, Page 2

SOUTHLAND.

Messrs. Carey and Gilles report as follow* on the live •took market of Invercargill during the month ending 16th November :—

In our la«t report we nnoted Store Cattle belnjr In very jrreat demand, and looked 'forward to shipments from Twofold Bay and other unrestricted ports to supply our wnnts. The only arrival has been the Ashburton. from Twofold Bay, with a cargo of steers and worklnsr bullocks. Arrivals were alw expected from Newcastle; and as Ofnps Land is still prohibited from sending cuttle into this market, shipments from either of the ports mentioned, if judiciously selected, will find a ready market with nn. the stock generally bearing a very high character for weight and size. Store Sheep—Are very eagerly sought after; and. if judgment be used In the selection of them, remunerative prices will be obtained for the shippers. Store Cattle—Very scarce, and much In demand, no •ales of any importance having been effected during the month. When the restriction* were removed from the colonies, there was a general Impression that this Province would be Inundated with cattle, and holder* were eager to quit their herd* ; they are now seeking higher prices. There are many buyers for imported store cattle.

The following may be quoted as the ruling rates :— Provincial large-framed steers, 3 years old. £14 to .€l6 ; imported large-framed steers, 3 years old. £12 to £14 10; mixed herds, £12 to £14.

Milch Cows.—Our sales have been at an average of £25 for flrst-rlaes and well-bred animals ; inquiry still good. First-class are worth £20 to £25 ; second-class, £15 to f 18.

Fat Cattle—Are much in demand, and very scarce; worth from 70s to 7ft*. Our la«t pales were made at these rates. We could readily dispose of a prime mob Just now. Fat Sheep—We report the sale of 500 on the station, at 40s per head. Good prime mutton is worth 38s to 455. the supply being very limited, but during- the last week the demand was increased.

Horses.—There has been an absence of good heary draughts. Importations have been of an inferior class, none of merit having arrived from Tasmania, and those from Victoria were chiefly of too light a description for the requirements of this market. Provincial teams have not been so freely offered, ship horses preferred. Draught mares, if young and of good hone, meet with ready sale. Good hncke are in very fair demand. We quote—First-class heary draughts, £75 to £95 ; secondclass do. £55 to £65; third-class do, £30 to £50; hacks, £25 to £50.

Working Bullocks—Have been in good demand for Immediate work. We quote—Provincial (first-class), at £70 to £75; provincial (second). £55 to £65: ship cattle, (first-claae) £60 to £65; do. (second-class) L42to L 56.